Social justice in coastal erosion management: The temporal and spatial dimensions

Coastal erosion management is primarily based on economic considerations (cost-benefit analysis). From the perspective of social justice (as a particular expression of the wider concept of human rights), however, several arguments can be advanced regarding public intervention in coastal defence management when private property is threatened by coastal erosion. In this paper we examine these arguments at both the short-term local scale and the long-term large spatial scale and consider the merits of inclusion of a social justice dimension in coastal erosion management. The coast provides a range of resources that benefit society as a whole. Coastal residents and property owners face a direct financial loss from coastal erosion but the general public also stands to incur losses other than purely financial if it there is public intervention for the benefit of these property owners. The arguments for public intervention are strongest at the local and short-term scales but they weaken (and even reverse) at geographically larger and longer time scales. At larger scales, the costs to society increase as intergenerational equity, non-coastal residents, climate and sea level change, and the environment are considered. Because of the intensity of interest involved at the local level, we argue that the necessary hard decisions must be made nationally if a sustainable policy is to be adopted. Social justice considerations provide a potential improvement on the traditional economic cost/benefit-based decision-making process of coastal erosion management but they only contribute to sustainability if viewed at the national level.     

Coastal erosion in Shandong of China: status and protection challenges

Shandong has more than 70% of natural coasts are under erosion. Coastal erosion started from the 1970’s and became a very serious problem at 1990’s. The dramatic decrease of sediment supplies from rivers caused rapid erosion at the delta and estuary areas, especially in the abandoned Yellow River Delta. Most sandy coasts along the Peninsula were eroded due to lack of sand supply and interruption of alongshore sediment drift, sand dredging from the beach or the offshore area caused serious erosion during short time. Sea-level rise causes slow but constant shoreline retreats and became a more serious threat. Different types of hard solutions for coastal protection against erosion were used in Shandong. Seawalls are most widely used, especially at the Yellow River Delta and city center waterfront. Groynes, jetties and breakwater are used on the north and east sandy coast of the Peninsula. Hard approaches are effective to protect the coast erosion but not change the erosion causes and led secondary impact on the coast. Soft engineering solution or the combined solutions are taken into acts. Beach nourishment is mostly considered as the better soft solution, especially to those tourists attracting sandy beaches along the Shandong coast. Long term monitoring and continuous lessons learning from the coastal erosion management will be adaptive for better coast solution in the future.     

A field quantification of coastal dune perennial plants as indicators of surface stability, erosion or deposition

Dune plants both modify the wind field around them and are impacted by various stress factors, among them sand erosion and sand deposition. As coastal dunes are being either stabilized or remobilized, in response to the changes in the rates of sand and dune movement, the vegetation cover and composition are expected to vary reflecting the differences in the sedimentary conditions. In this field study 315 quadrats of 100 m², in which the perennial plant species were sampled, were analysed with respect to annual rates of sand erosion and deposition that were measured using erosion pins. A visual exploratory data analysis was introduced, based on selective filtering of samples according to their vegetation cover. This method, combined with established statistical tools, enabled the authors to uncover the inclination and indicative power of nine perennial dune plants to either a stabilized or a mobile environment, and to establish whether they are more prevalent in places undergoing sand erosion or sand burial. Two species were found to be clear indicators of a stabilized environment, Stipagrostis lanata , and Retama raetam . Of the species indicating a mobile environment, only one may be stated as a clear indicator of sand erosion: Silene succulenta , with Cyperus macrorrhizus coming close to being an indicator of a less mobile erosive environment. The best indicator species for sand burial was found to be, as expected, Ammophila arenaria , with Artemisia monosperma also indicating high rates of sand mobility especially when its relative cover is higher than 80%. Such information can be used to monitor natural processes of dune stabilization or reactivation, or to assess the success of a management plan that aims at stabilizing a dune, or at remobilizing it by removing vegetation.     

河北省海岸侵蚀动态及成因机制研究

河北省沙质岸滩存在海岸侵蚀现象,对沙滩旅游、海滩工程建设造成严重威胁,制约河北省海洋经济社会发展。海岸侵蚀监测结果显示,区域海滩滩面受波浪、潮流影响较大,时冲时淤,摆动频繁,沙质岸滩整体处于侵蚀状态,各区段蚀淤情况有所差异,高潮线以上有所淤高,海滩坡度开始变陡,呈下蚀状态。海岸侵蚀灾害已引起沙滩沙质粗化、滩肩变窄、滩坡变陡及基岩裸露比率增多等问题。针对这一突出问题,通过定点测量与遥感监测相结合的方式,研究了河北省海岸线动态演变特征,经计算,河北省各侵蚀岸段海岸侵蚀速率达1.0~4.0m/a,单宽体积侵蚀量-1.42~-19.08m~3/m·a。综合分析显示,人类海岸工程建设、区域海洋水文条件及输砂量减少,是河北省发生海岸侵蚀发生的主要原因。     

海岸侵蚀灾害管理信息系统的实现

海岸侵蚀灾害的管理是以大量的调查研究成果,特别是长期监测数据为基础进行管理的。海岸侵蚀信息系统建设是针对海岸侵蚀的数据收集、交换到数据利用这样一系列的数据流的处理过程。参考地理信息系统在海洋管理方面的应用,海岸侵蚀灾害管理系统的关键技术,包括:系统基本框架,灾害预测评价模型库、数据框架与数据组织方式、标准体系相关技术研究。     

Assessment of erosion damage in Ndome and Ghazi, Taita Taveta, Kenya: Towards an integrated erosion management approach

Aerial photograph interpretation on erosion trends from 1961 to 1998 showed that by 1998, approximately 17 and 50% of agricultural land in Ndome and Ghazi respectively had been permanently lost due to the combined effect of rill, inter-rill, and gully erosion, and sand deposition. Although abnormally heavy rains received between 1996–98 caused much of the present land damage, the severity of the damage was enhanced by inappropriate and persistent human perturbations in the land-system notably through vegetative degradation and destruction of soil structure through inappropriate tillage practices. With soil organic matter contents of 1.6 and 1.9%, and clay ratios of 10.1 and 10.6 for Ndome and Ghazi, respectively, the areas inherent erodibility was considered as high thus pointing to the need for careful use and management of the soil resource. That farmers appreciated only land quality indicators that were visible to the naked eye and that directly affected their subsistence, revealed a knowledge gap that saw damages from intrinsic processes like rill and inter-rill erosion proceed unnoticed. This paper argues that the spread of erosion damage in rural agro-ecosystems is survival-driven. And as a remedy to this problem, there is need for the diversification of livelihood endeavours to alternative off-farm income sources to reduce pressure on the already fragile land resource. Further, being the ultimate implementers of conservation technologies and by virtue of the multiplicity and inter-relation of rural household needs, adoption of an integrated erosion management approach with food security as paramount presents the most practical entry point for sustainable land management in such rural agro-ecosystems. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Rapid erosion of the coast of Sagar island, West Bengal - India

The coastal zone of the Sagar island has been studied. The island has been subjected to erosion by natural processes and to a little extent by anthropogenic activities over a long period. Major landforms identified in the coastal area of the Sagar island are the mud flats/salt marshes, sandy beaches/dunes and mangroves. The foreshore sediments are characterized by silty, slightly sandy mud, slightly silty sand and silty sand. Samples 500 m inland from high waterline are silty slightly sandy mud, and by clayey slightly sandy mud. The extent of coastline changes are made by comparing the topographic maps of 1967 and satellite imageries of 1996, 1998 and 1999. Between 1967 and 1999 about 29.8 km² of the island has been eroded and the accreted area is only 6.03 km². Between 1996 and 1998 the area underwent erosion of 13.64 km² while accretion was 0.48 km². From 1998 to 1999, 3.26 km² additional area was eroded with meager accretion. Erosion from 1997 to 1999 was estimated at 0.74 km² /year; however, from 1996 to 1999, the erosion rate was calculated as 5.47 km²/year. The areas severely affected by erosion are the northeastern, southwestern and southeastern faces of the island. As a consequence of coastal erosion, the mud flats/salt marshes, sandy beaches/dunes and mangroves have been eroded considerably. Deposition is experienced mainly on the western and southern part of the island. The island is built primarily by silt and clay, which can more easily be eroded by the waves, tides and cyclonic activities than a sandy coast. Historic sea level rises accompanied by land subsidence lead to differing rates of erosion at several pockets, thus periodically establishing new erosion planes.     

Sediment transport analysis as a component of coastal management— a UK example

Detrimental effects of engineering works on the coast and a wish to conserve parts of the coastline have increased realization among coastal managers of the need to examine shoreline problems and proposals for protection in a wider spatial context than the site itself and over a longer time scale than the past few years. This paper outlines the approach taken in one region of the United Kingdom, the central south coast of England, to provide that wider perspective. Authorities responsible for coastal protection and sea defenses formed a coastal group, which, among other activities, commissioned research aimed at providing a greater understanding on which to base shoreline management decisions. A major project undertaken was a sediment transport study in which all existing information relating to coastal sediment processes in the region was collated and analyzed. All inputs, flows, and outputs of sediment were documented. Links between processes were examined for each part of the region. Finally, nine littoral cells of sediment circulation were identified and were suggested as forming a framework for shoreline management. The methods of compilation and analysis are outlined here and are exemplified for one area in the region. The approach is recommended as a cost-effective basis for strategic management of the coast in developed regions.     

Wind wave-forced fine sediment erosion during the slack water periods in Hangzhou Bay,China

The shallow water wave simulation model-SWAN incorporated with a simple fine sediment erosion model is applied to Hangzhou Bay, China, to model the horizontal distribution of the maximum bottom orbital velocity and corresponding fine sediment erosion rates induced by: (1) southeasterly steady winds (5, 20 and 30 m/s), (2) southwesterly steady winds (5 and 20 m/s); (3) northwesterly steady winds (5 and 20 m/s); (4) east-southeasterly steady winds (5 and 20 m/s); (5) easterly steady winds (5 and 20 m/s) under closed and unclosed boundaries; and (6) unsteady winds during the slack water periods. Results suggest: (1) the steady wind wave-induced maximum bottom orbital velocities and corresponding fine sediment erosion rates generally increased with the increasing steady winds; (2) closed and unclosed boundary conditions had more significant influences on modeled fine sediment erosion rates under 5 m/s easterly steady winds than 20 m/s; and (3) steady and unsteady wind wave-induced maximum bottom currents could be significant in eroding fine sediment bed in Hangzhou Bay. The results show implications for geomorphology, sedimentology, coastal erosion, and environmental pollution mitigation in Hangzhou Bay.     

河口三角洲海岸侵蚀及防护措施浅析——以黄河三角洲及长江三角洲为例

进入20世纪50年代以来,我国海岸侵蚀日趋明显,一些海岸带资源或油田设施遭到破坏。针对我国黄河三角洲和长江三角洲海岸线的侵蚀现状,分析了我国海岸线侵蚀的主要因素:河流泥沙减少;海平面的上升或海洋动力因素增强以及人为因素的影响。并对目前我国所采用的海岸防护措施进行了分析。提出了我国海岸防护工程类型较多,应根据海岸侵蚀的特点采用不同的措施或多种形式组合,因势利导,使工程达到最好的防护效果。     

The spatial and temporal variability of sand erosion across a stabilizing coastal dune field

This study aimed at quantifying the temporal and spatial variability in sand erosion and deposition over a coastal dune field in Israel. These were measured monthly over 2 years using 315 erosion pins over four transects that were placed perpendicular to the coastline. Vegetation cover was estimated based on aerial photographs and Landsat satellite images, whereas the relative height was based on a digital elevation model. These variables were calculated for the area upwind (south west) of the erosion pins, at various lengths, ranging from 15 to 400 m. Nine geomorphologic units were defined, five related to active units, and four to stabilized units. In active units at least 65% of the temporal variance in the annual absolute changes in sand level was explained by the index of Resultant Drift Potential, with most of the sand movement occurring during winter storms. Local rainfall had no apparent impact on sand mobility, due to the low coincidence of sand carrying winds and rainfall in Israel during the passage of frontal cyclones. As for the spatial variables, only a weak correlation was found between sand mobility with the distance from the coastline (R² = 18%). Rather, sand erosion and deposition were influenced by vegetation cover and the relative height of an area of 100–200 m upwind. The values of Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index were significantly negatively correlated with annual absolute changes (R² = 40%), whereas the relative height was significantly positively correlated (R² = 36%). Applying a multiple regression model, 68% of the spatial variability in sand mobility was explained. The resulting map of sand activity clearly shows that at this stage of the stabilization process, most of the dunes are now disconnected, and movement of sand grains from the beach or between the dunes, is very limited. These methods can be applied into spatial and temporal models of sand mobility, thus assessing the impact of different management practices on coastal dunes.     

Local engineering practices of erosion control in the coastal areas of the Niger Delta

 The paper reviews local engineering practices of erosion control in the coastal areas of the Niger Delta, influenced by tidal activities, and analyses the physical conditions and criteria for the application of control measures. The control methods utilized include the use of sand-cement and sand-gravel bags, used rubber tire networks, wooden groins, concrete retaining walls, sheet pile walls, and rock gabions. The effectiveness of typical cases of these measures are evaluated and suggestions made on improvements in design to ensure enhanced performance. Received: 22 February 1996 · Accepted: 30 July 1996     

The groundwater discharge in the Mediterranean karst coastal zones and freshwater tapping: set problems and adopted solutions. Case studies

In the karstic regions of the Mediterranean coastal zones the groundwater discharge and its outcrops—the coastal and submarine springs—represent the most typical natural phenomena of littoral karst, the economic potential of which is significant. The case studies discussed in this paper concern the problems of freshwater tapping in karst coastal zones along the Mediterranean littoral. Owing to the geological and hydrogeological approach, the set problems and adopted solutions involve two most important tasks: (1) the regulation of groundwater flow in the tapping facilities and (2) the control system of saltwater encroachment in a larger protection zone, between the coast and the site of tapping facilities.     

Access to the coast and erosion control: use of wastes on local engineering works in the coast of Gaza City

 Investment in the coastal resources of Gaza City is vital to various developmental issues and projects. Access to the coast and coastal erosion represent two major geo-environmental problems to the city. This paper describes local engineering works developed by the municipality and local people to overcome such problems. A cliff of calcareous sandstone – Kurkar as it is locally known – (up to 18 m high), is located at a distance of 20–50 m from the water–land contact. People who need to reach the beach must cross this Kurkar cliff. The engineering works used to facilitate access to the beach are: old automobile tires, white waste skeletons (refrigerators) and construction waste, where long stairs were designed using these materials. Meanwhile the engineering works which were used as erosion control measures include: rock gabions, concrete wastes, construction waste, concrete walls and shallow excavations. Such practices are commonly used in third world countries and are characterized by inexpensive transportation and implementation costs. The performance of these methods was evaluated from an economic, environmental and safety point of view. Suggestions were made to improve the performance of these practices in the future. Received: 18 November 1998 · Accepted: 15 February 1999     

苏北沿海地面沉降区地下水资源管理对策探讨

苏锡常地区实例证明,沿用单一的取水许可制度已很难解决地下水资源超采及由此引发的地面沉降地质灾害问题,地下水资源管理目标应定位于地质环境保护前提下的科学适度开采。对苏北沿海盐城、大丰地面沉降区现行的地下水资源管理制度进行了探索性补充设计,重点探讨了地下水开采权交易模型和地下水资源动态规划机制,为该地区今后的地下水资源管理提供了思路。     

PS材料加固土遗址风蚀试验研究

风蚀是西北干旱地区土遗址破坏的主要动力机制和成因,强烈的风蚀作用致使许多土遗址坍塌殆尽,导致这一不可再生资源的破坏。通过对土遗址的室内和现场风蚀模拟试验研究发现,经PS（高模数硅酸钾）材料加固后土遗址的抗风蚀能力明显增强。室内试验发现,风蚀量随风速的增长而增加、随风蚀时间延长近线性增长,PS材料浓度大于5 %的加固试样,即使风速达20 m/ s时,风蚀量均小20 (kg/ m2)•h,抗风蚀强度提高 6～10 倍。现场模拟试验结果表明,加固材料的入渗深度和用量直接影响加固效果,中浓度PS材料加固的墙面抗风蚀能力最强。因此,选择适当的PS材料浓度、提高加固材料的渗透力是土遗址保护加固的关键,将对西北地区土遗址科学保护的全面开展起到重要的指导作用。     

基于RS与GIS技术的江苏海岸带湿地分类

通过对江苏海岸带TM影像进行计算机自动分类与人工解译相结合的分类研究,探讨了提高海岸带湿地分类精度与效率的方法与途径。先采用分区分层分类的方法依据海岸线将本研究区分为陆地和海滩两部分。对于陆地部分,对基础分类影像经过非监督分类和光谱聚类处理后,获得分类模板,利用此模板对基础分类影像进行监督分类,对于海滩部分依据平均高潮位线、中潮位线、NDVI对影像进行分层分类,在分类的过程中运用了人机互译判读方法。结果精度评价表明该方法能明显提高海岸带湿地的分类精度。最后,基于VB和MO控件开发了江苏海岸带湿地GIS系统。     

俯冲侵蚀的研究历史、现状与展望

俯冲侵蚀是指在板块俯冲过程中, 俯冲板块通过构造作用移走俯冲上盘的物质并将其带到深部地幔的过程。前人研究表明, 俯冲侵蚀在新生代环太平洋俯冲带是一种十分普遍且非常重要的地质过程, 同时对活动陆缘的构造变形、岩浆弧的形成、金属成矿、壳-幔物质循环以及大陆地壳的生长与演化均具有重要的影响。本文在回顾前人研究历史的基础上, 简要介绍了俯冲侵蚀的基本模型和控制因素, 系统总结了俯冲侵蚀引起的地质效应以及识别依据, 分析探讨了俯冲侵蚀与金属成矿、大陆地壳演化的关系。此外, 本文还介绍了俯冲侵蚀在国内的研究现状, 并分析了青藏高原的班公湖-怒江缝合带和雅鲁藏布江缝合带晚中生代俯冲侵蚀识别的研究实例, 揭示了欧亚大陆南缘在晚中生代是一个侵蚀型的板块汇聚边界。最后对我国今后开展相关研究提出了一些思考和展望。

     

烟台市海岸带地质环境问题及保护建议

烟台市海岸带地处山东半岛蓝色经济区内,其资源丰富,具有重要的经济地位。但受自然地质条件及人类工程活动等影响,产生了许多地质环境问题。该文分析了烟台市海岸带内存在的主要地质环境问题,并在此基础上提出了海岸带保护建议,对于实现海岸带建设与地质环境保护的共同协调发展具有重要的意义。     

海岸带陆海相互作用(LOICZ)研究及我们的策略

介绍了全球变化研究中关于“海岸带”的定义，海岸带在地球系统研究中的重要地位及其生态系统的脆弱性。我国海岸带地跨三大气候带，海岸类型多种多样，不但有黄河、长江等大河入海，每年有巨大的向海物质通量（包括从大气中的粉尘输入），有宽阔的陆架，有陆架区和近洋之间强烈的物质和能量交换，而且沿海人口密集，大河流域经济活动频繁，人类活动和自然因素冲突集中。近年来海岸带环境和生态系统已经发生了巨大变化。今后，在全球变化条件下为使我国的海岸带环境和生态系统进入良性循环和制定科学的长期管理政策，亟待通过陆海相互作用研究提高对其未来变化的预测能力。文中根据国际ＬＯＩＣＺ运行计划和我国的特点，提出开展我国ＬＯＩＣＺ研究的策略和主要科学问题。